Monitoring remote environmental conditions

ABSTRACT

A server system for remote monitoring includes a wireless communication interface, a processor, and a storage device. The wireless communication interface receives at least one data packet over wireless communications from a remote monitoring system. The processor processes the data packet including sensor information from a sensor coupled to the remote monitoring system. The storage device stores the sensor information.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation and claims the priority benefit ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/019,975 filed Feb. 2, 2011, which isa continuation and claims the priority benefit of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/698,977 filed Feb. 2, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No.7,902,975, which is a continuation and claims the priority benefit ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/244,904 filed Oct. 5, 2005, now U.S.Pat. No. 7,683,776, which is a continuation and claims the prioritybenefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/684,583 filed Oct. 15,2003, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to monitoring conditions. Moreparticularly, the present invention relates to the ability to monitorenvironmental conditions at a site with increased reliability andaccuracy as well as the ability to access real-time data from a remotelocation.

2. Description of the Related Art

In this age of modern electronics, there is an ever increasing need tomonitor areas, devices and/or conditions in the event that an“emergency” condition occurs. For example, with mechanical devices,there is a high likelihood that the device will eventually malfunction.Knowing the occurrence of this event as soon as possible can save onemillions and millions of dollars. In the event that the “emergency”event occurs, the appropriate personnel can be dispatched to remedy themalfunction or function.

Many times, monitoring the assets or conditions occurs in remotelocations, where it is not feasible to have an individual or personnelto keep a check on the device. In the instance where personnel are usedto monitor these conditions, it is usually set up on a schedule. Thedisadvantage with such a system is that the personnel could check theequipment and render it operable and in return have the equipmentmalfunction shortly after the personnel has left. The malfunction isthen not detected until the personnel returns, which could be anextended period of time. In addition to monitoring equipment forpossible malfunction or failure, it is becoming increasingly importantto gather data from environmental sensors on a regular basis in somecases one-quarter hour intervals. In this situation it is impractical tohave personnel on site to accomplish this task.

Another disadvantage with individual site checking is the amount of timeand resources needed. Additionally, the system is unreliable becausethere is never constant monitoring, which means that there is a verygood probability that the device or condition is not detected for alength of time that might be very crucial.

In order to combat these problems, devices have been introduced in anattempt to achieve more constant monitoring. Such devices include acamera or data logger placed at the remote site. However, the problemwith this solution is that it requires an individual to monitor thecamera or to show up on site to download the data logger in an attemptto identify the problem or collect the environmental data. Additionally,the camera is not always able to detect internal problems which are notvisible. Information obtained from the data logger is much too latent todeal with a problem in a timely fashion.

Other solutions to this problem include linking the device or site to bemonitored with a computer. More specifically, a data collector is placedat the device and/or site and monitored in order to detect any“emergency” conditions. The sensor, in this instance, is hardwired tothe computer. With such an arrangement, the use of this solution islimited by the availability of power for the computer. Another downsideto such an arrangement is the ability to remotely monitor assets such aspipelines or storage tanks where commercial power is not available.Therefore, this solution is limited by the availability of commercialpower and the limited tether capability of the remote sensors.

Another problem with the current products are the types of sensors beingemployed. In such a setup, the sensors are generally analog in nature.There is virtually no ability to use other types of sensors along withthese analog sensors. The analog sensors usually allow only one-waycommunication, which prevents the computer from analyzing andcontrolling the sensors. The sensor only has the ability to collect thedata and transmit it back to the computer.

Additional prior art solutions to remote monitoring is the placement ofan on site power source such a generator, which is placed for the solepurpose of providing a more consistent monitoring of the site and/ordevice. However, this solution has a number of drawbacks. For example,the generator and the fuel for the generator would need to be replacedas often as needed. As one can imagine, this solution, though morereliable, would require resources that are cost prohibitive, while atthe same time does not provide the constant monitoring needed. A user ofthis solution would still need to employ personnel to maintain and fuelthe generator system.

Even with a device where power can be maintained on a consistent basis,there is the problem of retrieving the data from the remote sites. Forexample, if a company wanted to monitor an oil pipeline, a grain storagefacility, or a volumetric moisture environmental sensor, then an on-sitemonitoring system would need the capability to transmit the data back tothe home base where it is then used to detect “emergency matters.”However, this is not always feasible because of the inability tocommunicate this data from the remote location to a location to where itcan be monitored.

Some of the prior art solutions to this problem have been to use circuitswitched cellular connections in order to retrieve the sensor data. Thesensor is attached to a computer, which is then attached to a circuitswitched cellular transmitter. The data is transmitted into a wirelessnetwork where it is ultimately transmitted to the final location to bemonitored. Problems with this technology is that each data transmissionis set up like a conventional cellular voice phone call. This forces theuser to pay large cellular bills to transmit a very limited amount ofinformation. Most Cellular Services charge a 1 minute minimum and roundup to the nearest minute. It is also possible that cellular coverage inrural areas is limited.

Solutions to the lack of reception is the addition of cellulartransmitting towers. However, this is not a viable economic solution tomost individuals. Another disadvantage of some wireless technology isthe associated cost to use the airtime. For example, if the devicecollects data repeatedly through an hour or day, this data must be sentback to the base station to where it is collected and assembled. Eachtime the cellular modem is dialed into its ISP the “clock is running andcost begins to accumulate, which can become substantial over time. Withthe current sensors, such as analog, each sensor transmits the data asit is collected. Therefore, a system that has eight sensors would almostbe in a constant transmitting mode on the circuit switched cellulartechnology

Another problem with the prior art is the ability to efficiently collectthe data. In the prior art, the information is forwarded to a locationwhere it is stored so that it can then be analyzed. Upon analyzing thedata, an individual makes a decision whether to send out an alertmessage. When the message is dispatched, then the appropriate action istaken. Additional restrictions on the prior art solutions to thecollection of the data are that it must be seen or analyzed from acentral location. Those individuals that need to monitor the data needto be in this central location in order to monitor the data.Additionally, the data collected may not on a real-time basis, which canhave serious implications.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a method and apparatus thatenables one to monitor assets and/or conditions with a plurality ofsensors. The method and apparatus can communicate with these sensorswith relative ease. Furthermore, there is a desire to place thesesensors in locations where access to traditional power and communicationlines is virtually non-existent. There is a further need to be ablegather and track this information in an efficient manner. In trackingthis information, the ability to monitor the data, as it is collected,needs to be available to anyone regardless of their location.

SUMMARY OF THE CLAIMED INVENTION

The invention addresses the problems above by providing a server systemfor remote monitoring. In accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention, the server system includes a wireless communicationinterface, a processor, and a storage device. The wireless communicationinterface receives at least one data packet over wireless communicationsfrom a remote monitoring system. The processor processes the data packetincluding sensor information from a sensor coupled to the remotemonitoring system. The storage device stores the sensor information. Theprocessor may generate a polling message and the wireless communicationinterface may transmit the polling message to the remote monitoringsystem to initiate collection of the sensor information. The processorcan assign an identifier for the remote monitoring system. The processorcan also control activation of the remote monitoring system.

The processor may also display a location of the remote monitoringsystem, the sensor information, and time and date of the sensorinformation through a graphical user interface. The processor maydetermine whether an alarm level is triggered based on the sensorinformation. The processor can then send a message to a user based on apositive determination that the alarm level is triggered.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, amethod for operating a server system for remote monitoring includes thesteps of receiving at least one data packet over wireless communicationsfrom a remote monitoring system into a wireless communication interface,in a processor, processing the at least one data packet including sensorinformation from a sensor coupled to the remote monitoring system, andstoring the sensor information in a storage device.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, asoftware product for a server system for remote monitoring includesserver software and a software storage medium operational to store theserver software. The server software is operational when executed by aprocessor to direct the processor to receive at least one data packetfrom a wireless communication interface and process the at least onedata packet including sensor information from a sensor coupled to aremote monitoring system.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain embodiments of theinvention in order that the detailed description thereof herein may bebetter understood, and in order that the present contribution to the artmay be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional embodimentsof the invention that will be described below and which will form thesubject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of embodiments inaddition to those described and of being practiced and carried out invarious ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology andterminology employed herein, as well as the abstract, are for thepurpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conceptionupon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basisfor the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carryingout the several purposes of the present invention. It is important,therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalentconstructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of the overall invention according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a receive and transmit telemetry radio inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating steps that may be followed inaccordance with one embodiment of the method or process.

FIG. 4 is an additional flowchart illustrating steps that may befollowed in accordance with another embodiment of the method or process.

FIG. 5 is a display of a screen shot illustrating the capabilities of acomputer database, which includes the remote site monitoring device datain accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a display of an additional screen shot illustrating customercreation portion of the database where the remote site monitoring devicedata is stored and accessible by an individual in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 7 is a display of an additional screen shot illustrating acustomer's remote sensor listing that is stored on a computer databasein accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a display of an additional screen shot illustrating acustomer's remote sensor information that is stored onto a computerdatabase in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a display of an additional screen shot illustrating an editingprocess for a customer's remote sensor information that is stored onto acomputer database in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawingfigures, in which like reference numerals refer to like partsthroughout. An embodiment in accordance with the present inventionprovides a method and apparatus that permits remote site monitoringregardless of the location of the device or activity desired to bemonitored. Furthermore, the method and apparatus permits one to use anynumber of different types of sensors such as analog or digital. The datacollected from these sensors is compiled in an efficient and effectivemanner such that minimal resources are required of the remote sitedevice. Additionally, the information is made available such that it canbe accessed remotely and can automatically be monitored with alarmsgenerated at preset levels or intervals.

An embodiment of the present inventive apparatus and method isillustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment inaccordance with the present invention that details the overallconfiguration 10 of the preferred embodiment. A business or individualselects a device or activity that they desire to be monitored for aparticular reason. In this figure, the company has desired to generallymeasure the conditions in a tank 12. More specifically, the company haschosen to monitor the tank level 14, the acidity or the ph level 16 andthe inside temperature 18 of the tank 12. In this instance, thepreferred embodiment is incorporating the use of individual sensors tomeasure each of the specific type of data.

The advantage of measuring the remote device is the achievement ofconstant monitoring with minimal resources. By achieving such a methodor apparatus, the company is able to react in a timely manner in orderto conserve resources and also avoid potential larger than neededdisasters or accidents.

The data is collected from a remote sensor 14, 16 or 18. The datacomprises information from all the attached sensors and is compiled intoa packet, single or otherwise, such that it reduces the bandwidthnecessary for transmission of the message.

The packet of data is passed to a wireless device such as a telemetryradio 20 from the control board 21. From here, the data is thentransmitted 22 to another location or remote location 24 such as aserver 26. The control board 21 is a microprocessor controlled devicethat is linked to the sensors. The control board 21 is a point to whichthe data is initially sent to and from the sensor. The control board 21is also the location where the data is collected and processed fortransmission to a remote location 26.

The preferred embodiment uses a telemetry radio device 20, which isconnected or linked to the control board 21. From this point, thetelemetry radio usually transmits the data to another location 24. Thereceiving unit at these locations 24, 26 can be a telemetry radio 20 ora General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)/Global System for MobileCommunication (GSM) gateway that allows the data to be passed as a UserDatagram Protocol (UDP) message to the server 26 via the Internet. Asanother option the receiving unit can be hardwired to a server 26. Inmost instances, the telemetry system is set-up such that there islimited obstruction with locations 24, 26. Care is taken to ensure thecontinuance and reliability of the monitoring by ensuring minimal to noobstruction with the telemetry radio signal.

After the data is transmitted to the locations 24, 26, and on to theserver 26, it can be stored either on a temporary or permanent basis. Atsome point in time, the data can be forwarded to another server orpersonal computer where it may be stored or viewed. In the preferredembodiment, the location is a microprocessor based server 26 thatcollects and compiles information from a plethora of sensors.

The data is compiled at the remote site into a single data packet. Thepacket contains all the information for all of the sensors that areattached to that control board 21. In the preferred embodiment, thepacket is disassembled and the information stored at the server level.The preferred embodiment stores the data on a sensor by sensor basis.Prior to any transmission from the remote site, the sensors are eachgiven a unique code or identifier. The unique codes are locatedthroughout the data so that when the data is disassembled ordecompressed, the server 26 is aware of which piece of data belongs towhich sensor at which location.

The data, in the preferred embodiment, contains or includes specificdata. Such data must include the sensor reading, the unique identifierof the sensor and the device (station) identifier. Additional data mayinclude location of the remote device, date and time of the sensorreading, the number of retries required to obtain confirmation from theserver 26, and the status of the telemetry radio 20. It should be notedthat the date and time stamp can be applied at the server 26 or at thecontrol board 21 level.

Once the data is decompressed or disassembled at the server 26, the datais made available through the Internet or another access point 28. Inparticular, the company or one designated to monitor the data is able toaccess that data that is extracted from the sensors. Additionally, theserver 26 allows the company to define alarm points or levels. Forexample, if the temperature reaches a pre-selected limit of 100 degreesFahrenheit, then an alarm is generated to alert of the condition. Todetermine the existence of a possible alarm, the server 26 completes acomparison of the sensor reading with the pre-selected alarm point orlevel. If the comparison generates a level that is above or below thepre-selected level, then the alarm warning is generated.

The logical function used to perform the comparison is user dependent.The preferred embodiment allows the user to select from an upper orlower limit as well as user defined equation or algorithm. Alternateembodiments allow the use of Boolean logic and other logical functionsto manipulate the data in order to arrive at the determination ofwhether an alarm point or level has taken place or exists.

A preferred embodiment of the invention generates a message that iselectronically transmitted to a pre-designated source. The message canbe an e-mail, a pre-recorded voice mail message or an audible or visualwarning. An alternate embodiment includes instructional codes that aretransmitted to the remote site. These codes can be to correct or remedythe situation or can include shutting down of the equipment to preventfurther damage from taking place.

The data is stored on the server 26 such that the end user can view thedata on a historical perspective. In this instance, the data can beshown in numerical or graphical format. A historical perspective allowsthe user to assess the data over an extended period of time and aid inthe determination of whether a problem is developing with the on-siteequipment. Single data views make this a more difficult task.

As previously stated, the data can be retrieved through an access point28 made available on the server 26. In the preferred embodiment, theaccess point 28 can be accessed from almost any location. The server 26and the access point 28 associated therewith are connected to a computernetwork. Anyone with access to this network can also gain access to theserver 26 and the data stored thereon. However, in view of today's needfor security of the server 26 and the information stored thereon, asecurity procedure is needed to be successfully performed before accessof the server 26 is permitted.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a complete remote telemetry unit inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In this figure,the base of the invention is a telemetry radio 30 with serialcommunications 32 to a linked microprocessor based control board 21.This embodiment uses a Kenwood Fleetsync Radio, which is model number TK880, a mobile phone. In alternate embodiments, the telemetry radio 20can be the Kenwood Fleetsync Radio TK 380, which is a portable device orany other communication device with a packet modem. The Kenwood radiosinclude a twenty four hundred (2400) baud modem in order to effectuatetransfer of the data.

Additional alternate embodiments of the present invention also can be aGeneral Packet Radio Service (GPRS) modem. In this alternate embodiment,the GPRS is made by Enfora and is mode number Spider SAG. GPRS is aGlobal System for Mobile Communication (GSM) transmission technique thatdoes not set up a circuit switched connection (continuous channel ordial up connection for the transmission and reception of data), buttransmits and receives data in packets on a close to real time basis.This technology makes very efficient use of available radio spectrum,and users generally pay only for the volume of data sent and received.GSM is a standard for digital cellular communications and is in theprocess of being adopted by over 60 countries. The GSM standard iscurrently used in the 800, 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands.

The telemetry radio 30 is linked to a control board 21 using amicroprocessor 34, which in this embodiment is made by Parallax and isin the BS2 family. The processor 34 is configured such that it iscompatible with the varying protocols of sensors currently andprospectively in the market place. The benefit of the single processordesign is that it allows a single component to be used. Another benefitis the ability to address various types of sensor in a single device.

The digital sensors may be SDI-12, RS-232, RS-432 or I2C along withother types. SDI-12 is a protocol standard that interfaces a batterypowered data recorder with a microprocessor based sensors designedprimarily for the acquisition of data. The data being collected, in thepreferred embodiment, is usually of an environmental nature. It ispossible to use the sensors to collect many different types of data inaddition to the environmental data.

Data acquisition is accomplished by a sensor connected to a controlboard 21 with a microprocessor 34. Part of the control board may be adata recorder. The data recorder can collect data that has not beenconfirmed by the sever. The control board 21 is able to determine whenthe server 26 becomes available and then forwards the stored data atthat time. The control board 21 provides means to transfer measurementsobtained from the sensor to the data recorder (either on the controlboard or external to the control board 21. The sensor generally takes ameasurement, and the control board 21 makes computations based upon theraw sensor reading and outputs the measure data in a format of aparticular measurement. For example, if the sensor measures temperature,the particular measurement can be in Fahrenheit, Celsius or Kelvin or araw number to be converted at the server. If the sensor collectspressure measurements, then the returned format of measurement can bebut not limited to torrs, bars, inches of mercury and pressure persquare inch (psi).

In order to make these conversions, the sensor needs to have thecapability. SDI-12 sensors generally have microprocessors that enablethem to efficiently and effectively handle these computations. Normalanalog sensors typically do not have the capability to take raw datameasurements and proceed to convert the data into the necessary units.

The use of the SDI-12 sensors for data acquisition have a furtherbenefit in that calibration and/or control of the sensor is achievedmore easily. This is generally done by downloading executable softwarecode into the sensor. The executable code can instruct the sensor totake measurements and control timing. It can further instruct the sensorto convert the raw data into a specific unit of measurement. Anotheradvantage of the SDI-12 sensor is the ability to use more than one typeof sensor on a single data recorder. Furthermore, it is possible to havesensors on a single data line that can collect varying types ofenvironmental data such as pressure, temperature, acidity levels, liquidlevel, battery voltage and so on.

In a preferred embodiment, multiple types of sensors (i.e. digitaland/or analog) are used. Current systems in such arrangement require theuser to incorporate a different modules or boards for each of thevarying types. As a result, the remote site monitoring device begins toconsume more power in a scenario where consumption of power is criticalto achieve the ultimate goal of uninterrupted monitoring. Thisarrangement begins to limit the number of on-site configurations thatare available with a single remote site monitoring device. The preferredembodiment incorporates the use of a single board in which differenttypes of sensors can be employed.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the processor 34, in alternate embodiments,can be programmable logic controls (PLC) or field programmable gatearrays (FPGA). This configuration provides a great deal of flexibilityin updating or upgrading the computer chip. As improvements or differentconfigurations are needed, the software code is downloaded into thesechips rather than having to complete a chip replacement in the instanceof a microprocessor. In the preferred embodiment, software code isdownloaded into the processor 34 in order to effect a process.

Also connected or linked to the processor 34, as part of the controlboard 21, is an analog to digital converter (ADC) 36. The ADC 36,itself, is connected to the analog sensors 38. In the preferredembodiment, optimal performance was achieved with eight channel ADC. Thenumber of sensors, however, can be increased or decreased in alternateembodiments.

The analog sensors 38 obtain sensor readings. These might be a pressure,volume, and a temperature reading among others. Due to the nature of theanalog sensor, the reading obtained is in the form of a waveform. Thisvoltage waveform is then transmitted to the ADC 36, where it istransformed into digital format so that it can be read and processed bythe microprocessor 34.

The preferred embodiment also includes linking a voltage sensor 40 tothe microprocessor 34 through a serial communication port on themicroprocessor 30. The sensor 40 is connected to the battery that powersthe complete remote site monitoring device. Each time a data packet istransmitted from the remote site monitoring device, a battery reading isincluded so that the user can initiate remedial measures upon thedetection of a problem.

An additional serial port on the microprocessor 34 serves as thelocation to where a temperature sensor 42 is linked. A temperaturesensor 42 is placed near or on the microprocessor 34. The temperaturesensor 42 measures the ambient temperature around the microprocessor 34,which helps to avoid identifying excessive heat that can affect thechip's performance. This temperature reading is also sent in the datapackets that are transmitted to the base station.

For both the voltage 40 and temperature 42 readings, the preferredembodiment obtains a sensor reading and includes it with each datasensor packet. In alternate embodiments, the frequency of thetransmission can be scheduled hourly, daily or weekly transmission. Infact, it is possible to instruct the microprocessor 34 to obtain andtransmit the reading on any user defined time-table.

Again, referring back to FIG. 2, the processor 34 is linked or attachedto an SDI-12 interface 44. This single wire interface, in the preferredembodiment, allows the connection of multiple sensors. Depending on themanufacturer and type of the SDI-12 sensor, adding large numbers ofsensors to the line may have an affect on the performance of the system.

In the preferred embodiment, a system is set up such that the sensorstake measurement during periodic cycles. The data is passed onto theprocessor 34 to where it is placed in a queue. The queue, after somepoint in time, either immediately or some time after, passes the dataoff to the telemetry radio 30 for transmission to an off-site or remotelocation such as the base station or GPRS/GSM Gateway.

At the point the data from the various sensors is passed on to theprocessor 34, the processor 34 begins to compile the data into anefficient and effective format. Because power consumption and radiobandwidth are key concerns at the remote site location, manipulation ofthe data by the processor is kept low or to a minimum.

The processor 34 receives the data and begins to compile it into aformat. Initially, a unique identifier is attached to the data. There isa unique identifier associated with each of the different sensors. Forexample, if the remote site monitoring device has a plurality of sensorsmeasuring temperature, pressure, liquid and acidity level, then eachsensor is assigned this unique ID. The temperature sensor might be T1,the pressure might be P2, the liquid level might be L1, and the aciditylevel PH1. Therefore each measurement is attached with its respectiveunique level.

After all the sensor data is collected, all of the data is compiled orencapsulated into a single data packet. In the preferred embodiment, thepacket length is generally no longer than ninety-six bytes. Alternateembodiments of the present invention can have the packet lengthgenerally no longer than five-hundred and twelve bytes or at almost anyconceivable byte length. The present invention is not limited by thespecific byte lengths stated herein. Again, the packet is preferablyheld to a small length due in most part to the power consumptionrequirement and the necessity to keep air time usage to a minimum. Thepacket is combined with a header and then the sensor data. In alternateembodiments, the data can be transmitted on a sensor by sensor basis. Inother words, if there are ten sensors, there could be ten individualsensors transmissions but this embodiment can lower the overall airtimeand power efficiencies.

The data packet, as discussed, is transmitted to a remote location 24 or26 to where it is then disassembled or unencapsulated. The remotestation, in the preferred embodiment, is a base station or GPRS/GSMgateway. The data message is sent to the server 26, which parses andstores the message, usually based upon each uniquely identified sensor.

In the preferred embodiment, this information is brought down to acentral location where it is stored and made available for retrieval oraccess. The data from the base station can be brought down, viatelemetry radio, land telephone line, wireless technology such ascellular and satellite. The base station usually doesn't have the samepower or consumption limitations as the remote site monitoring devices.Therefore, the options for forwarding of data are more plentiful.

The wireless system in the preferred embodiments is a telemetry radio ora GPRS/GSM packet modem device. These devices are powered and operatedthrough the use of solar panels and rechargeable battery technology.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating steps that may be followed inaccordance with one embodiment of the method or process of the presentinvention. More specifically, FIG. 3 details the process at the remotesite monitoring device. The remote site monitoring device begins 46 theprocess with the step 48 of sending of a transmit start sequence. Thisis actually accomplished by the microprocessor 34. The microprocessor 34sends a start sequence to the telemetry radio. Next, the sensor gathersdata and transmits it back to the microprocessor 34. Additionally, instep 50, the preferred embodiment performs calculations on theapplicable sensors. In the preferred embodiment, data in the rawestformat is transmitted to the radio and math calculations areaccomplished at the server 26. In many situations, it may be desiredthat the raw data be converted prior to transmission to the server 26.Application of either embodiment is correct although multiple mathcalculations at the remote device tend to consume more power from thesolar/battery system. For example, if the analog sensor is measuringbattery voltage on the remote monitoring device, the data can be in theform of a waveform indicating zero to fifteen volts. However, this isconverted by the ADC 36 into digital format (0-256), where it can beprocessed more efficiently and effectively by the processor 34. It maybe advantageous to convert the raw value from a 233 to a 12.6 volts atthe remote site although this will use more power and slow down thefunctions of the remote site.

Additionally, in step 50, the data is pushed to the transmitting device,which in the preferred embodiment is a Fleetsync Radio or and EnforaGPRS modem. At this point in time, the process begins the step 52 ofsearching for more sensors. If there are more sensors, the processbegins itself at the step 50 and continues until all sensors have beenread.

Once there are no more sensors to be read, the processor 34 completesthe next step of sending a transmission breakdown process. In otherwords, the processor 34 has sent a signal or instruction to theFleetsync radio or Enfora modem that there is no more data to come andinstructs the unit to forward the message. Effectively, an end bit orinstruction is transmitted to the Fleetsync Radio or Enfora to indicatethat the data gathering has ceased for this particular cycle.

Once this happens, the processor 34 reverts or places itself into thestep 56 of going into a serial port monitoring mode. At this point, theprocessor 34 begins to listen for a command from the server 26. Thecommand can be a poll command or instruction to effect some otherfunction. If the processor 34 does receive a poll from the server 26,then the process begins at the step 48 of transmitting a start sequence.In alternate embodiments, if the processor 34 does not receive a pollfrom the server 26, the processor is placed on a timer such that at theend of the time period, the processor 34 automatically activates thedata collection process.

Another source can be a timer that takes periodic schedule sensorreadings, which is the next step 60. For example, a time can be set inthe control board software such that the processor 34 prompts all orcertain sensors to take sensor readings every two hours. Thisinstruction is stored by the remote site which begins to prompt itselfto take the readings. Upon expiration of the two hour period, thereadings are obtained after which the timer is updated indicating areset of the timer for the next two hour period for obtaining datareadings.

FIG. 4 is an additional flowchart illustrating steps that may befollowed in accordance with another embodiment of the method or process.FIG. 4 details the process of obtaining sensor readings from a digitalsensor that are linked to the remote site monitoring device. The processis begun with the start step 62, which then leads to the step 64 ofchecking the one-wire SDI-12 line for the number of sensors connected orlinked to the remote site monitoring device. Once this is begun a wakeupcommand 66 is then transmitted to each of the sensors. The wakeupcommand 66 alerts the SDI-12 sensor to be prepared for the transmittalof additional commands.

The next command transmitted to the SDI-12 sensors is the measurecommand 68. At this point, the sensor obtains the reading for which ithas previously been set up to record. For example, if one of the sensorsis set up to obtain pressure reading, the sensor obtains the currentreading based on the measure command 68 from the sensor.

Depending on the SDI-12 sensor, the sensor may require a delay for it toaccomplish its read. Some sensors communicate the delay time necessaryothers do not. In this particular example, can take up to is sixty-fivemilliseconds to do its read function. Upon expiration of the pause 70, aread command 72 is then transmitted to the sensor. This commandinstructs the sensor to obtain the current value of the sensor fortransmission back to processor 34.

Upon execution of the read command 72, data begins to be received 74 atthe microprocessor 34. The microprocessor 34 then takes the affirmativestep of storing 76 each sensor reading into a memory device such asrandom access memory (RAM). To distinguish among the various sensorreadings, the next step 78 in the process is to include a unique sensoridentifier with each sensor reading. The process is then repeated untilthe beginning step 64 until there are no more sensor readings to store76 in memory. Once there is a determination 80 that all the sensors havebeen read, all of the SDI-12 readings are added in the next step 82 tothe sensor readings of the analog sensors. In the preferred embodiment,this could be the combination of ten SDI-12 sensors and eight analogsensors. The analog sensor data is converted by the ADC 36 into digitalformat for processing purposes. This conversion aids the remote sitemonitoring device to efficiently and effectively transmit the data.

A unit (station) ID 84 is then added as a header to the data string. Theunit ID 84 is another unique identifier that represents the particularremote site monitoring device that the sensors are attached. This ismore applicable to situations where the base station has more than oneremote site monitoring device reporting data. This aids in sorting thedata once it is unencapsulated. Otherwise, there can be confusion andprocessing errors if there are similar sensor names among differingremote systems.

At this point in the process, all of the sensor data is packaged andforwarded to the transmitting device. Once the transmission is made bythe transmitting device, the control board 21 waits for a confirmationresponse for the server 26.

As stated, the packet of data is transmitted 86 to a remote location.The next step 88 in the process is the reception of the data at theserver 26. The server 26 then creates an acknowledgement and transmitsthe acknowledgement to the remote site monitoring device. If theacknowledgement is not received, then retransmission is repeated up to(N) times until an acknowledgement is received.

The next step 90 is the unpackaging of the data packet. The packet isstriped and the data is then stored in the appropriate location foraccess. In the preferred embodiment, the data is stored on a server 26to where a user is then allowed access to the data. The user is alsoable to generate alarms and warnings based upon the sensor readings aswell. Alternate embodiments also permit the data to be sent to the user.This can be in the form of an electronic message such as e-mail, but canbe a letter or summary as well.

Upon reception of the data, the preferred embodiment resets the timer,which sets the next period to begin the process of gathering the datafrom the sensors. The time is generally set-up for a specific timeperiod upon which the system automatically gathers the data and iseventually made available for the user. Alternate embodiments canexclude the timer and have data gathered on a polling only basis. Inthis instance, the server 26 is the impetus to begin the process. Thisalternate embodiment requires a command from the server 26 to instructthe control board 21 to begin the collection of the data. In yet anotherembodiment, sensor reports are only sent on an exception basis where thecontrol board 21 makes the determination by comparing its own presetalarm levels with the sensor reading. This embodiment may consume morepower form the solar battery system but will save on airtime usage.

In alternate embodiments, some of the data that is packaged at theremote site is stripped of extraneous data. In many instances, the datareceived from certain probes or sensing devices is transmitted back tothe control board 21 with such things as commas, decimal point ornegative or plus indications. The alternate embodiment eliminates orstrips this data and then the data is packaged and readied fortransmission. One of the reasons for stripping the data is the need tosave bandwidth which equates to saving power and/or resources. With areduced sized message, the transmission time of the transmitting deviceis reduced. Transmission time and frequency are a constant monitored inorder to reduce them to a workable minimum.

Upon the reception of the data at the base station or server 26, thedata is then readjusted such that the extraneous data is reintroduced.The alternate embodiment is able to accomplish this task due to theknown abilities of certain probes. Therefore, the server 26 is aware ofthe type of probes attached and reintroduces or reattaches the strippeddata only to those probes that introduce it to the data readings. Forexample, if a probe made by Company A add s decimal point to the data,then the server 26 is aware that the Company A probe is attached andreintroduces to the data at the server location.

FIG. 5 is a display of a screen shot illustrating a portion of thedatabase where the remote site monitoring device data is stored andaccessible by an individual in accordance with the preferred embodimentof the present invention. To access the data from a remote location, auser of the system enters a login screen where they are asked both for alogin name and a password. The login name and the password are linked inthis system to a particular person. Therefore, upon access being grantedto the user, the user's remote site sensors are made available for theuser to monitor or access. In an alternate embodiment, an administratorcan access the system in the same manner. However, the administrator isgiven access to all the remote sensors as well as privileges to alter oredit the overall system.

In the preferred embodiment, the database is placed on a web-basedserver, which itself is connected to the Internet. Access is limited tothose granted by the administrator. By placing the data on an Internet,a company, whose has sensors in the field, can access the data fromvirtually any location. This essentially gives the company access toreal-time data.

Alternate embodiments of the present invention locate the data on theserver 26. Upon reception and unpackaging of the data, the data is thenrouted to the designated receiver. This configuration aids the companyin limiting overall theft of the data from unwanted intruders. However,the configuration may not provide information on a real-time basis.

FIG. 5 is a screen shot of what an administrator can retrieve from thedatabase upon access to the server 26. The administrator is given alisting of all the companies or customers 94 that have accounts withCumulous Communications. An account number 96 is assigned to the companyand any other pertinent information is included in the display as well.

FIG. 6 is a display of a screen shot illustrating a customer creationportion of the database where the remote site monitoring device data isstored and accessible by an individual in accordance with the presentinvention. In this screen shot, an administrator creates an access foreach of the customers 94. In the preferred embodiment, an initialcustomer site ID 98 is assigned to the customer. The customer site ID 98is unique for each location that a remote site monitoring device islocated. For example, Company A, a customer of Cumulous Communications,might have various storage tanks around California. With a multitude ofsites, a unique customer site ID 98 is assigned to each of the sites.This aids the customer and the database in sorting the data retrievedfrom all the sites.

The administrator is also able to use the activate button 100 to enableor disable the remote site. By enabling the sensors with the activatebutton 60, a command is transmitted to the remote site monitoring deviceto proceed to begin the monitoring device. If the sensor is disabledthrough the activate button 100, the remote site monitoring device isinstructed to halt further data gathering activity with this particularsensor.

A section is also made available to enter the monthly cost per unit 102.The cost can be based on almost any setup. It can be for the remote sitemonitoring device or based on the sensor connected to the remote sitemonitoring device. This monetary figure is then used by the server toassess billing charges to the customer.

The customer's name 104 and pertinent postal information 106 is thenstored in a number of entry slots. This is information is also used bythe system to track the company as well as automatically create billsbased on this and the cost per unit 102 figure.

A uniform resource locator (URL) of the customer's company's logo 108 isstored in the server as well. The locator is used, in the preferredembodiment, as a caption on each screen of the database that a useraccesses. For example, Company A has a unique logo entitled CACO. Infact, it is well know by the term CACO rather than Company A. Each timea screen is accessed, the CACO logo is placed somewhere on the screen.This helps distinguish to the user that the data being accessed is thatof CACO.

Finally, FIG. 6. also provides a section for the administrator to leavecomments 110. There is no restriction on the amount or type of data tobe stored in this system. The section gives the administrator a chanceto add any additional information it deems necessary.

FIG. 7 is a display of an additional screen shot illustrating acustomer's remote sensor listing with the computer database inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. This screenshot is available to a user as well as the administrator. The useraccesses this screen in order to obtain the most recent data from all ofthe sensors. The screen shot gives a multitude of different types ofdata.

In this particular screen shot, Company A, with account number 000001,has a complete listing of its remote sensors. Looking at the chart,there is total of seven sensors, which are measuring moisture,temperature and voltage. A first moisture sensor 112 is labeled 11A1,which is the unique identifier. From the description, it is a four-inchC-probe. All of this information is located in the first column 114.

Column two 116 details the location of the probe. The information, inthis example, states that it is located at the Homeland location.

Column three 118 details the element or data being gathered by theprobe. As stated previously, this probe is measuring moisture. The useror company has some need to measure the on-going moisture within someenvironment.

Column four 120 indicates the time and date of the last sensor reading.Therefore, the user of the data can determine the most recent datareading.

Column five 122 indicates the previous or most recent level. In thisparticular example, the Sep. 23, 2003 1:15 PM moisture reading was60.12.

Column six 124 details whether an alarm level has been chosen by theuser. The alarm level provides a point at which an alarm is triggered.If an alarm is triggered, it is transmitted in user-defined form to theuser or company. For the first moisture probe 112, no alarm level hasbeen enabled.

The battery voltage probe 126 has an alarm level 124. This probe 126 ismeasuring the battery voltage of the remote site monitoring device toensure constant monitoring. The alarm level 124 for this particularprobe is set for 11.25 volts. If the voltage drops below this level, analarm is triggered. In the preferred embodiment, an electronic messageis delivered to the user in the form of an e-mail. Alternate embodimentscan inform the user, such as but not limited to, a sound, strobe orprerecorded message.

In the preferred embodiment, a visual display 130 is also supplied toindicate the level of voltage of the battery. The visual display 130indicates, in this example, that the voltage is high.

Column seven 132 provides a link to additional details of the firstmoisture probe 112 such as the ID number, location element measure andmany more. FIG. 7 further describes the information provided in thissection in greater detail.

Column eight 134 permits the user of the data to view the history of thedata collected. Initially, the setting is placed at the most recentdate. The user is able to obtain all the readings of the probe back asfar as the databases holds data. The administrator can elect to purgefiles at a pre-determined length of time, for instance 90 days. The useris also able to set a user-defined time period as well.

The historical view of the data provides the user with more accuratepicture of the probe. A single point in time data reading is not alwaysindicative of a problem as opposed to a series of readings taken over aperiod of time. Many times a single data point, though normal, will nottrigger an alarm even thought the historical views of the data readingsindicates a potential problem.

The final column in the preferred embodiment, column eight 136, permitsthe user to edit particular information about a specific probe. The typeof information that can be edited in the preferred embodiment is thelocation, name and alarm setting. FIG. 9 details the editing process ofthe sensors in greater detail.

FIG. 8 is a display of an additional screen shot illustrating acustomer's remote sensor information that is stored onto a computerdatabase in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Theinformation stored or entered into this screen is done for each sensorattached or linked to the remote site monitoring device. In thisparticular figure, the information being illustrated is that of batteryvoltage probe 126. There is some basic information stored such as thedevice ID 138, radio ID 140, unit ID 142, location 144 and address 146.Additional information stored is the global positioning coordinates 148,the element being measured 150, the capacity 152 of the element and thelow-end adjustment 154.

There is also an alarm setting 156, which enables the user to definewhen they should be alerted as to a certain condition. In this currentexample, the alarm setting 156 is recorded as doing a comparison betweenthe data value and the alarm setting 156. The logic of the alarm settingin this example is that if the data reading is equal to or below 11.25volts, then an alarm is generated. In the preferred embodiment, the useris able to set-up an alarm signal based upon whether the data reading isabove or below the alarm value. In alternate embodiments, the user isable to define a mathematical operation or formula to which the alarmcheck is processed.

The remote sensor information screen also provides the time, date andactual reading of the ten most recent readings for this unit. In thisparticular example, the sensor readings are for a specific time periodfrom about 11:19 in the morning to about 1:30 pm. The voltage readingsassociated with these readings are 13.5 volts with one reading of 14volts and one reading of 14.2 volts.

FIG. 9 is a display of an additional screen shot illustrating an editingprocess for a customer's remote sensor information that is stored onto acomputer database in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. In this figure, the user is able to define informationdisplayed in FIG. 8. The fields that can be edited are the device ID138, radio ID 140, customer radio ID 158, unit ID 142, location 144,address 160, global positioning coordinates 148, element measured 150and the unit of measurement 162.

The capacity 152 of the element is entered as well, which in thisexample is fifteen volts. There is a low-end adjustment 164 entry thatmeans that the value of the data reading cannot go below this value.There is also a minimum 166 and a maximum 168 reading. This means thatthe measurement data will not and cannot go above this reading.

The alarm setting 156 is selected, in this embodiment, to be apercentage of the capacity of the elements. In the present example, thesetting is seventy-five percent. By selecting this percentage and thebelow setting 170, an alarm is triggered when the value is less than orequal to 11.25 volts.

There is also an alarm inactivity setting 172. This means that an alarmis also generated upon no reception or reported activity from thesensors. The setting, in the preferred embodiment, is based on days ofinactivity with 0 to 365 being the range. The current example generatesan alarm upon their being no reception of any data in one day.

There is also a section 174 for enabling or disabling the device. Byenabling the device, the sensor can be polled or put on a timer suchthat data collection process is begun to be collected. If the sensor isdisabled, the sensor is put on hold and no information is gathered.However, the information about the sensor is kept within the database.The advantage being that the information need not be reentered. All anadministrator must do is enable the sensor or edit the data if thesensor has changed type of location.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, there can be acause or situation for an intermittent station, where data from thesensors is temporarily transmitted. In some instances where cellularcoverage is limited, use of the GPRS/GSM packet modem device ishampered. To overcome this problem, an interim station is used totransmit the data. In this embodiment, the telemetry transmitting deviceis used at the monitoring site to transmit to the interim site. At thislocation, another telemetry radio is used to push the data to a locationwhere cellular coverage is more consistent or reliable.

In this alternate embodiment, the interim site is serving as a pipelineor additional communication to transmit the data. For example, theremight be a monitoring location where cellular coverage is non-existentbut is available approximately ten miles away. In this alternateembodiment, use of a GPRS/GSM packet modem device is not an optionbecause of the lack of cellular coverage. Therefore, an interim stationis used to transmit the data to the location ten miles away werecellular coverage is available.

At the monitoring station, a telemetry radio is used to transmit thedata to the interim station. Located at the interim station is anothertelemetry radio that receives the information and then re-transmits thedata to a base station or server 26 upon where the data is decompressedand/or made available for access.

In further embodiments, the interim station can be in an area that hasaccess to cellular coverage. However, the monitoring location does nothave access to cellular coverage. In this embodiment, the data istransmitted from the monitoring location to the interim station, wherecellular coverage is available. At this point, the interim stationtransmit the data to the base station or server 26 via a GPRS/GSM packetmodem device.

The interim station are generally note used at point to conduct amanipulation of the data. Generally, such manipulation takes places thebase station or server 26 because of the availability of commercialpower. At the monitoring and interim station, there is generally lessavailability of power and therefore the less desire to performmanipulations. However, it is contemplated by this invention to performmanipulation of the data at all the sites.

The many features and advantages of the invention are apparent from thedetailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claimsto cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, sincenumerous modifications and variations will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to theexact construction and operation illustrated and described, andaccordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resortedto, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for monitoring remote environmentalconditions, the system comprising: a communication interface forcommunicating over a wireless communications network with a sensor at aremote location, wherein the communication interface receives packetsthat include sensor data concerning a detected environmental condition,the packets compiled based on control board report settings, wherein alength of each packet is limited based on minimization of powerconsumption and minimization of air time usage; a storage deviceconfigured to update stored sensor data with the received sensor data;and a processor configured to generate an alert when the stored sensordata meets one or more predefined conditions.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the detected environmental condition relates to weather.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the detected environmental condition relatesto a liquid level.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the detectedenvironmental condition relates to a measurement of voltage.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the sensor data concerning the detectedenvironmental condition is collected and transmitted from the sensor inreal-time.
 6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a web interfacefor providing a user with access to the stored sensor data via theInternet.
 7. A method for monitoring remote environmental conditions,the method comprising: communicating over a wireless communicationsnetwork with a sensor at a remote location, wherein the communicationincludes receiving packets that include sensor data concerning adetected environmental condition, the packets compiled based on controlboard report settings, wherein a length of each packet is limited basedon minimization of power consumption and minimization of air time usage;updating stored sensor data with the received sensor data; and executinginstructions stored in memory, wherein execution of the instructions bya processor generates an alert when the stored sensor data meets one ormore predefined conditions.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein thedetected environmental condition relates to weather.
 9. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the detected environmental condition relates to aliquid level.
 10. The method of claim 7, wherein the detectedenvironmental condition relates to a measurement of voltage.
 11. Themethod of claim 7, wherein the sensor data concerning the detectedenvironmental condition is collected and transmitted from the sensor inreal-time.
 12. The method of claim 7, further comprising providing auser with access to the stored sensor data via the Internet.
 13. Anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium, having embodied thereona program being executable by a computer processor to perform a methodfor monitoring remote environmental conditions, the method comprising:communicating over a wireless communications network with a sensor at aremote location, wherein the communication includes receiving packetsthat include sensor data concerning a detected environmental condition,the packets compiled based on control board report settings, wherein alength of each packet is limited based on minimization of powerconsumption and minimization of air time usage; updating stored sensordata with the received sensor data; and generating an alert when thestored sensor data meets one or more predefined conditions.
 14. A systemfor monitoring remote environmental conditions, the system comprising: asensor interface communicatively coupled to a sensor, the sensorinterface configured to receive sensor data concerning a detectedenvironmental condition from the sensor; a microprocessor controlledcontrol board configured to process the sensor data received at thesensor interface to form at least one packet, the at least one packetcompiled based on control board settings, wherein a length of eachpacket is limited based on minimization of power consumption andminimization of air time usage; and a communication interface forcommunication with a designated server over a wireless communicationsnetwork, the communication interface configured to transmit the at leastone data packet to the designated server for updating stored sensordata, wherein the designated server generates an alert when the storedsensor data meets one or more predefined conditions.
 15. The system ofclaim 14, wherein the sensor is configured to detect environmentalconditions relating to weather.
 16. The system of claim 14, wherein thesensor is configured to detect a liquid level.
 17. The system of claim14, wherein the sensor is configured to measure a level of voltage. 18.The system of claim 14, wherein the sensor data concerning the detectedenvironmental condition is collected and transmitted from the sensor inreal-time.
 19. The system of claim 14, wherein a user is provided withaccess to the stored sensor data via the Internet.
 20. A method formonitoring remote environmental conditions, the method comprising:receiving sensor data concerning a detected environmental condition fromthe sensor through a sensor interface; executing instructions stored inmemory, wherein execution of the instructions by a processor processesthe sensor data to form at least one data packet, the at least one datapacket compiled based on control board report settings, wherein a lengthof each packet is limited based on minimization of power consumption andminimization of air time usage; and transmitting the at least one datapacket through the communication interface to a designated recipient forupdating stored sensor data, wherein the designated recipient generatesan alert when the stored sensor data meets one or more predefinedconditions.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the detectedenvironmental condition relates to weather.
 22. The method of claim 20,wherein the detected environmental condition relates to a liquid level.23. The method of claim 20, wherein the detected environmental conditionrelates to a measurement of voltage.
 24. The method of claim 20, whereinthe sensor data concerning the detected environmental condition iscollected and transmitted from the sensor in real-time.
 25. The methodof claim 20, further comprising providing a user with access to thestored sensor data via the Internet.
 26. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium having embodied thereon a program, theprogram being executable by a computer processor to perform a method formonitoring remote environmental conditions, the method comprising:receiving sensor data concerning a detected environmental condition fromthe sensor through a sensor interface; executing instructions stored inmemory, wherein execution of the instructions by a processor processesthe sensor data to form at least one data packet, the at least one datapacket compiled based on control board report settings, wherein a lengthof each packet is limited based on minimization of power consumption andminimization of air time usage; and transmitting the at least one datapacket through the communication interface to a designated recipient forupdating stored sensor data, wherein the designated recipient generatesan alert when the stored sensor data meets one or more predefinedconditions.